“WAKE UP & SMILE” by Stray Blue

Stray Blue marks a poignant milestone in their two-decade journey with Wake Up & Smile, a warm, introspective acoustic release that speaks to the heart of resilience. Released as a limited edition 7” vinyl, the project includes the tender reimagining of their signature anthem in acoustic form, alongside the stirring “Moody Sky” featuring acclaimed cellist Yoed Nir. It’s a return not just to roots, but to essence—an embrace of simplicity, soul, and shared humanity. At the core of Wake Up & Smile lies a message both timely and timeless: hope in the face of change. With its gentle 12-string guitar in an uncommon tuning, Nick Anastasakis delivers vocals that are understated yet deeply emotive, supported by the graceful rhythm section of George Athanas (bass, vocals) and George Papazoglou (drums). The arrangement feels intimate—almost like an old friend confiding in you across a quiet morning.

And yet, it carries a quiet power, urging listeners to breathe through the chaos and find meaning in stillness. The B-side, “Moody Sky,” expands the project’s emotional palette. With Yoed Nir’s expressive cello weaving through soft vocal lines and reflective lyrics, the track adds cinematic weight to the EP. It explores longing and emotional weather with grace, creating a soundscape that’s as meditative as it is moving. Together, the two songs invite not just listening, but feeling—drawing us into a space where vulnerability and strength coexist. Recorded in Thessaloniki, the project stands out not only for its musical warmth but for the story it tells. Stray Blue’s legacy in the Greek indie scene is woven into every note.

From festival stages in Crete to late-night sessions in New York and Los Angeles, the band’s journey has been one of authentic connection and artistic sincerity. Even during years of quiet, their influence never faded—evident in the enduring love for their music and the quiet anticipation of their possible return. Wake Up & Smile isn’t just a release; it’s a moment—of reflection, of resilience, of emotional clarity. It reminds us that, even through sorrow or silence, music can still offer comfort and companionship. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, Stray Blue’s return is a gentle nudge toward hope. Just as the title suggests: wake up, and smile.